Exciting Research!
You may notice that a number of these studies are about psilocybin. While I continue to be blown away by ketamine and will always continue doing KAP sessions, I am becoming increasingly intrigued with the potential of psilocybin to also offer profoundly healing experiences.
Therapeutic uses of psychedelics for eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder
This systematic review evaluates evidence related to the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in individuals diagnosed with BDD and EDs.
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Psychedelic Treatment for Eating Disorders
A current study is underway to explore the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of psilocybin for individuals with anorexia nervosa.21
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The first randomized controlled trial examining psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for alcohol use disorder
This recent study published in the Journal Psychology of Addictive Behaviors by the American Psychological Association has found that psilocybin can be an effective treatment for people with alcohol addiction.
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Reports of self-compassion and affect regulation in psilocybin-assisted therapy for alcohol use disorder: An interpretive phenomenological analysis
Their results support the assertion that psilocybin increases the malleability of self-related processing, and diminishes shame-based and self-critical thought patterns while improving affect regulation and reducing alcohol cravings. These findings suggest that psychosocial treatments that integrate self-compassion training with psychedelic therapy may serve as a useful tool for enhancing psychological outcomes in the treatment of AUD. Read more
This Psychedelic Treatment Is Helping Patients Process Emotions Related To Painful Past Events
According to the authors, the participants reported that psilocybin treatment facilitated the processing of emotions tied to past traumatic events. It also promoted states of self-compassion, self-awareness, and feelings of connectedness.
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Real-world analysis confirms ketamine infusion therapy as powerful treatment for depression and anxiety.
A recent study found that ketamine infusion therapy was associated with a significant reduction in self-reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidality, with stable effects observed during the maintenance phase. Read more
The last study I’ll share is particularly intriguing – in that it states that “psychedelic users show greater psychological strengths”. Gone are the days that psychedelics were maligned and looked down on. Instead, we are beginning to notice that psychedelics are increasing the well-being of those who use them!
Psychedelic Users Show Greater Psychological Strengths
These surveys revealed that psychedelic users show greater psychological strengths and well-being and lower levels of distress. These benefits are opposite to the patterns shown by cannabis and alcohol users, who tend to have maladaptive behaviors such as avoidance, withdrawal, or passive aggression.
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